Specializing in representing a child's best interests, and we accompany parents/guardians to:
- IEP Meetings
- Section 504 Meetings
- Student Study Team (SST) Meetings
- Manifestation Determination IEP Meetings
- Expulsion Hearing
- Informal Dispute Resolution Meetings
Our team is comprised of highly educated advocates who hold themselves to the highest standards, with extensive backgrounds working professionally with special needs students. Our Associates and Office Staff pride themselves on supporting and guiding parents/guardians and students as they seek the education to which they are entitled.
How Our Advocates Can Help You
- Our primary responsibility is to represent a student's best interests in the education process.
- We utilize a multi-modal approach to learn about the student and make educational recommendations.
- We review school records, special education records, private assessments, evaluations, and Section 504 plans.
- We consult with specialists who are knowledgeable about the child's cognitive, medical, speech-language, physical, sensory, social-emotional, and educational needs.
- We observe the student in the classroom and in social settings.
- We share our knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 amended in 2008 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act amended in 2004 (IDEA).
- We inform parents of their child's educational rights.
- We provide parents with expert guidance and direction through the IEP process.
- We help parents formulate appropriate IEP goals, accommodations, modifications, behavior plans, and related services such as speech and language, occupational therapy, assistive technology, and adaptive P.E.
- We provide expert opinions in exploring School Placement options such as inclusions, learning centers, resourced programs, special day classes, non-public schools, and residential treatment facilities, as appropriate.
- We work with parents/guardians to prepare for meetings by reviewing supportive documents, solidifying our meeting objectives, and answering important questions.
- We review all documents before you sign them.
- We draft dispute resolution proposals, State of California Department of Education complaints, letters, and written requests to district personnel and administrators.
- We empower, guide and educate parents/guardians and students to strengthen their own advocacy skills.
- We use a combination of our knowledge, skills, and ability to articulate the facts and evidence to settle IEP disagreements and disputes.
- We assist parents in having their concerns heard by school district representatives.
- We assess each student's case, and when appropriate we assist parents in seeking reimbursement for outside services and school placement, for past, present and future expenses.
- If a parent/guardian ultimately does not agree with their child's IEP, they have the right to request a Due Process hearing or Mediation. If this occurs, we will refer our clients to an attorney who specializes in Special Education law.
*Despite our expertise to give educational options and advice, we respect that the final decision about a child's education belongs to the parents.